A £3m coastal protection project which will shield Blackpool's shoreline into the next century, has been hailed as a leading example of a new approach to building by construction minister Brian Wilson.

Mr Wilson was visiting the St Stephen's Avenue Project, which will see the rebuilding of a 400-metre seawall, originally constructed during the First World War.

The project, a joint venture between Blackpool Council, civil engineering contractors Birse, and the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), showcased the savings that can be made in time and resources by establishing construction teams at the planning stage of projects.

Mr Wilson said: "St Stephen's is an excellent example of how the construction industry is now working more successfully to give Britain buildings and infrastructure which will last.

"By simply encouraging communication between everyone involved in the construction process from day one, delays and cost overruns can be avoided.

"This is particularly important in the case of schools, hospitals and other key public projects, where major savings can be made for the taxpayer."

The St Stephen's Avenue Project will seek to demonstrate that a saving of at least £75,000 can be made and that the contract can be completed within time.